Get Your Green On!
Every March, South Carolina turns the dial to green, and this year is no exception. St. Patrick’s Day lands with a full calendar of parades, races, live music, and community gatherings that stretch from the coast to the Upstate. Whether you’re lacing up for a run, claiming a parade spot, or heading straight for the tunes, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion in style!
Coastal Color in Hilton Head Island
On the island, Hilton Head Ireland brings the crowds to Hilton Head Island for its 40th Anniversary St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 along Pope Avenue. Known as the oldest and largest parade in the state, it pulls in thousands for floats, marching bands, local groups, and plenty of green from curb to curb. It’s the kind of morning where you grab coffee early, claim a spot along the route, and settle in for an easygoing spectacle that feels both big and personal. After the last float rolls by, the whole island hums with that satisfied post-parade buzz.
Columbia’s Street-Level Celebration
In the capital city, St. Pat's in Five Points on March 14 turns Five Points into a full-day festival. The lineup includes a 5K and 10K, a family fun run, a parade, and live music across multiple stages. It’s energetic without feeling overwhelming, with something for early risers and late-day revelers alike.
If you plan to join the race, here’s what to expect:
- A festive start line with plenty of green gear
- Routes that wind through one of Columbia’s most recognizable districts
- A finish that lands you right back in the heart of the action
Run, Shuffle, or Raise a Glass
For those who prefer their holiday with sneakers on, the Shamrock Shuffle hosted by Summerville Family YMCA on March 14 offers distances from a 1-mile fun run to a 10K. The event supports community programs, so every mile doubles as a boost for local families.
Up in Taylors, 13 Stripes Brewery throws its annual St. Patrick’s Day bash on Friday, March 13 with live music and specialty brews. The taproom fills quickly, and the energy carries well into the evening, making it a lively stop for friends who want to linger.
However you choose to celebrate, South Carolina offers plenty of shamrock-filled reasons to get out, connect, and enjoy the season. From parades to road races to neighborhood gatherings, St. Paddy’s here feels like a statewide block party with heart!
Explore more festivals across the state and plan your next adventure at guidetosouthcarolina.com/festivals!
